DIVORCE HEADQUARTERS NEWSLETTER       Issue #11,     May 2001 Last month we launched our newest addition to the site, our child support calculator. It has been a huge success. We are committed to making DivorceHQ.Com the best source for divorce information and resources on the net. Know someone else going through the process? If you think they could benefit from this newsletter feel free to pass it on to them. Food for Thought "I've learned ... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you" Unknown In this Issue: Good News For Single Fathers How much will the Divorce Cost     by Maury D. Beaulier, Esquire Divorce Humor 1. Good News For Single Fathers It was reported in an article by Genaro Armas of the Associated Press that households run by single fathers are on the rise. According to the article, the 2000 census found that 2.2 million households or 1 in 45 are headed by single fathers. That is an increase of 62 percent in ten years. The article went on to say "The portion of the country's total 105.5 million households that were headed by single fathers with children living there doubled in a decade, to 2 percent." Thomas Coleman, executive director of the American Association for Single People, attributed the rise in single dads to a variety of reasons, including more judges awarding custody to fathers in divorce cases and more women choosing their jobs over family life. The following is an excerpt from an article submitted by one of our professional members. For full text of all articles visit http://Divorcehq.com/articles.html 2. How Much Will the Divorce Cost         by Maury D. Beaulier, Esquire It is difficult to determine how much a divorce will cost. However, after reviewing the likely issues, your method for resolving those issues, and hearing your philosophy of the case, a lawyer may be able to give you a range of expected expenses. Controlling the expenses in a divorce, however, is no easy task. Many of the factors contributing to legal costs are outside of your lawyers control. The personality and philosophy of the your spouse's attorney can affect the ultimate path that your divorce takes. Additionally, the ability of the parties to cooperate and communicate may also have a significant impact. WRITTEN RETAINER AGREEMENTS Your attorney is required to provide you with a written retainer agreement identifying the costs and hourly fees that will apply to your case. It is important that you read this document carefully and ask questions regarding any unclear issues. Signing a retainer agreement does not mean that you cannot fire your lawyer or that your lawyer cannot withdraw from the case. You may change lawyers at any time. The retainer agreement, however, will memorialize the terms of your billing relationship with the attorney. Once you have signed the retainer agreement, it is a legally binding and enforceable contract. Always keep a copy of your retainer agreement for later reference. FLAT FEES Fees charged by lawyers can vary from state to state and county to county. You may find a lawyer who charges a fixed flat fee for motions after a divorce or for uncontested proceedings where the parties have reached an agreement. In such instances, the amount of work which must be performed by the lawyer can be easily determined. This is a favorable payment method since you will know at the outset the total cost of the proceeding which will allow you to budget accordingly. HOURLY FEES In most contested cases, you will find that lawyers will bill out their time at an hourly rate. Although rates vary, you may expect your lawyer to bill out services at an hourly rate between $75 and $250 per hour. Reduced hourly rates may apply to services that are performed by associate attorneys, paralegals, law clerks or legal assistants in your attorney's office. Hourly rates are influenced by your attorney's legal experience, reputation and the demand for his/her services. MINIMUM FEES Lawyers may also charge minimum fees for specific services that are billed out as part of the divorce proceeding. For example, drafting a Motion or a Petitioner may be billed out at a flat rate of $200. You should discuss with your lawyer any minimum fees that may be applicable to your case. For the full the version of Mr. Beaulier's article including minimum billing increments, costs, experts, retainers and payment arrangements go to: divorcehq.com/articles/divorcecost.html ABOUT THE AUTHOR Maury D. Beaulier is the founder of The Beaulier Law Office which has developed a large and active family law practice dedicated to providing each family law client with detailed information about every element of their case. He can be contacted by phone at (952)746-2153 or or Visit Web Site 3. HUMOR Marriage is a great institution, but only if you like being institutionalized - Submitted by Michael Nanney